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Jeep Cherokee battery drain problems

26 of the 14,523 owner complaints about the Jeep Cherokee describe battery drain or dead battery, most of them for the 2019 model year.

owner complaints
26
worst model year
2019
typical mileage
30,000
Is there a fix? There are 6 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2022
    1
  • 2020
    1
  • 2019
    11
  • 2018
    1
  • 2017
    1
  • 2016
    2
  • 2015
    1
  • 2014
    8

What owners say

Filed Aug 11, 2026 · Transmission · TN

While driving my car stalled at 2 different times only weeks after purchasing this used car. I took it back only for them to replace the battery with an aftermarket battery then having to get it replaced again at another location; following a parasitic draw, the PTU was noted as requiring replacement. Looking back at the recalls I’m not sure why my car isn’t included in this recall.

Filed Aug 11, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 82,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the messages "Reset - Start Unavailable" and "START/STOP System Unavailable" were displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving on another occasion, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact was unable to pull over, and the vehicle was pushed to the side of the road with assistance. The vehicle was restarted after a while and was driven to the residence; however, the failure reoccurred. The battery was disconnected and taken to an Auto Zone Store, where it was determined that the battery voltage was low. The contact replaced the battery; however, the new battery drained prematurely. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence, and the throttle body was replaced, but the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was determined that the PCM and TCM needed to be reprogrammed to restart the vehicle; however, the repair could not be completed due to a loss of communication, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but declined to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

Filed May 12, 2026 · Electrical · CA

Battery went dead after 4 days of being parked. Preceded by car not charging fully after driving. Dealer had to replace battery at 60,000 miles with no other fault detected. After market battery did not fix problem. Needed to be replaced by OEM battery. Still noticed not charging fully after driving. High current drain while off and parked detected. One dark night noticed dash screen came on with no key around the car then went off then cycled back on. All car modules did not shutdown. Suspected Uconnect app needed to be updated or was corrupted. Later Bluetooth would not connect to phone so I could update the program. Called Uconnect and technician said it could only be updated by dealer. On-line noticed this is a very widely reported problem that batteries are going dead for no apparent reason. Causes many other systems not to function like AntiSkid braking. Due to low battery voltage. No recall has been issued on this vehicle to make it mandatory for the manufacturer to correct the deficient software that won’t allow the modules to shut down when the vehicle is off. Associated trouble report and fix. 2024 WL/WS/DT/JL/JT/GG/GC/DJ/D2 (Includes PHEV Variants) 2023 WL/WS/DT/GG/DJ/D2/DD/DP – Battery Drain after UCONNECT activation Removing the TBM Fuse will resolve the IOD. This is a known issue and is under investigation. Part replacement will not resolve this issue. Refer to SOL S2408000010 for more information.

Filed Sep 4, 2025 · Engine · WI

I have owned my jeep since 2019. Since having my jeep MULTIPLE times I have had the Service shifter light come on. Previously shutting the vehicle off and turning it back on seemed to solve the issue for a little bit until it would come on again. Later down the road my battery died. Upon replacing the battery I didn't seem to notice the issue ever. Now I have another new battery and the light has come on permantely and does not turn off even if I restart the car and as I stated it is a brand new battery. I know there was a recall for this exact issue previously for the year before mine and the year after mine. Something needs to be done about this because i see countless people have this exact same problem.

Filed Sep 3, 2025 · Body, Electrical · MA

Vehicle experienced a sudden no-start condition in July 2025 after being parked for ~2 weeks. Engine cranked briefly, then shut off and displayed a red immobilizer warning. OBD-II scans showed BCM memory faults (B22A9), immobilizer lockout (P0513), CAN-C bus communication errors, and repeated low-voltage codes. Dealer replaced PCM (~$1,550) but vehicle still inoperative. Dealer then determined BCM (Body Control Module, part #68141881AJ) failed, but part has been discontinued by Mopar and is unavailable nationwide. Used BCMs are VIN-locked, leaving no authorized repair path. Vehicle is also subject to the federal safety agency Recall 23V338000 (power liftgate module electrical short / parasitic drain). My vehicle showed repeated low-voltage events consistent with this defect, which likely corrupted the BCM and immobilizer system. Dealer confirmed recall parts are still backordered. As a result, a 2014 Jeep Cherokee with only ~32,000 miles has been rendered permanently inoperable due to discontinued safety-critical electronics. The defect creates a substantial safety risk because electrical shorts can occur while parked or driving, and owners are left without remedy.

Filed Aug 31, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · TN

Battery drains when vehicle is off and not running. If not fully charged the alternator will overwork and not be able to charge the battery for the length of the drive causing the battery to go dead while driving.

Filed Jan 29, 2025 · Body · WA

In early 2021, the doorhandle on the driver's side of my car froze in minimal snow/freezing rain. The electronics in the doorhandle were corrupted, and broke. This cause a short in the system, making my car lock and unlock itself uncontrolled, thereby draining the battery. The car could not be jumpstarted for this reason because the battery was perpetually drained. It required being towed, and the remedy took several months. This is completely unreasonable, for a small freeze to totally "brick" an off-road vehicle because of a doorhandle issue.

Filed Aug 26, 2024 · Driver assistance · PA

The old battery died and auto zone installed a new one. The AAA tech that jumped me told me that the computer would be weird?? A safety hazard is when I put in reverse the back camera doesn’t go on?? So if I don’t look or don’t hear anything then there could be an accident?? Also the tire pressure on the console doesn’t work?? If I had a flat while driving it would not tell me how low my psi is on the tire?? I could have an accident?? Also the acceleration I think is slower due to the computer error that tells me to service shifter?? I just had a new battery installed and should not have these issues due to jeep having programming issues after a new battery is installed?? I never had this problem on any car I had after a battery installation???

Filed Feb 29, 2024 · Body, Electrical · NJ

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the power liftgate was not engaged. The power liftgate warning light was illuminated. The instrument panel and interior lights remained illuminated and drained the battery. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V338000 (Electrical System, Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Feb 29, 2024 · CO

My climate control module (part number 68103284AJ which is now discontinued by mopar) went out, this was caused by simply changing the battery, since I had a dead battery. Here is the fun part, now I do not have ac/heat. It does not turn on. Which is very hazardous if it’s snowing or any type of cold weather since there is no way to defrost the windshield. I live in Colorado, so I haven’t been able to drive my car in any sort of cold weather. Also, I cannot pass an emissions test because of this module being out- I have documentation. Passing an emissions test is required by the state of Colorado in order to register my vehicle. So I cannot register my vehicle and I cannot legally drive my car on the roads of Colorado until I register, so I this point my Jeep is potentially worthless. I have brought my Jeep in several times to get this fixed (dealer only fix - thanks jeep) and they stated that a used part will not work in this situation because every module is tied to a vin number, so it has to be a new part. This is absolutely ridiculous from mopar’s (Jeep) end. Considering they discontinued the part on a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. I have contacted mopar (Jeep) several times, calls and email. I have documentation. They were absolutely horrible to deal with in this situation. I stated the situation, put it in writing in emails and they returned to call and email me back weeks later to confirm that the part was discontinued - which I told them on the first call. And when I would call to check in on the situation they said they were escalating it and never got back to me. Then I emailed again, and they closed the case number. Please help! I cannot drive my car and I cannot even sell it/or trade in, no one is going to buy a car without heat in Colorado. I will provide all documentation that I have of the situation.

Related recalls

Electrical system: integrated trailer brake controlReported February 2, 2026 · 456,287 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to an improperly designed trailer tow module, the trailer lights may fail to illuminate and the trailer brakes may fail.
Risk
Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the trailer tow module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on February 10, 2026.

Recall number 26V059000 · Recall details

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panelReported December 20, 2018 · 52 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The instrument cluster may fail resulting in a lack of activation of warning chimes, messages, and gauges.
Risk
Without the activation of warning chimes, messages, and gauges to provide vehicle information to the driver, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UC4.

Recall number 18V917000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiring: front underhoodReported August 9, 2018 · 12,779 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Risk
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

Recall number 18V524000 · Recall details

Electrical system: softwareReported May 17, 2018 · 4,815,661 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Risk
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Recall number 18V332000 · Recall details

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panelReported February 6, 2008 · 107 vehicles affected
What is wrong
U.s. Drive right is recalling 107 my 1994-1998 right hand drive, 4-wheel drive jeep cherokee vehicles. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 101, 'controls and displays;' no. 108, 'lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment;' no. 111, 'rearview mirror;' no. 114, 'theft protection;' no. 115, 'vehicle identification number;' no. 118, 'power window system;' no. 120, 'tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars;' no. 208, 'occupant crash protection;' and no. 301, 'fuel system integrity.'
Risk
These vehicles do not meet the required standards.
Remedy
U.s. Drive right will make all the required modifications. A representative will travel to the customer's location and make the modifications on site. The recall will be performed on a regional basis beginning march 2008. Owners may contact u.s. Drive right at 1‑888‑632‑5936.

Recall number 08V056000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakersReported October 11, 1995 · 32,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The fasteners which secure the alternator circuit fuse to the power distribution center may have an improper clamp load.
Risk
Improper clamping can result in arcing at the connection potentially causing a fire in the engine compartment.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the alternator fuse with a fuse link and any damage to the power distribution center will be repaired.

Recall number 95V193000 · Recall details

Questions about the Jeep Cherokee battery drain

Which Jeep Cherokee years have battery drain or dead battery problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2019 (11 complaints), 2014 (8 complaints) and 2016 (2 complaints).

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